Edmonds Kingston Ferry: Your Guide To A Beautiful Puget Sound Crossing
Are you thinking about taking a trip across the water, maybe to explore the Kitsap Peninsula or just enjoy a peaceful ride? The Edmonds Kingston ferry offers a really pleasant way to travel, connecting the charming town of Edmonds on the mainland with the lovely community of Kingston on the Olympic Peninsula side. It's a key part of getting around for many folks, whether they're commuters, tourists, or just out for a scenic adventure, so you know, it's a big deal for lots of people.
This particular ferry route is quite popular, and for good reason. It provides a direct link that helps you skip a much longer drive around the southern tip of Puget Sound. You get to relax, enjoy the fresh air, and see some truly stunning views of the water and mountains, which is pretty nice, actually.
In this guide, we'll walk you through everything you might need to know about the Edmonds Kingston ferry. We'll cover how to get to the terminal, how to find the schedule, what to expect with fares, and a few tips to make your journey smooth and enjoyable. We'll even touch on some other routes, just so you have a fuller picture, you know, for your future travel plans.
Table of Contents
- Getting to the Terminal
- Understanding the Edmonds Kingston Ferry Schedule
- Fares and Tickets
- Planning Your Trip
- Other Washington State Ferry Routes
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Start Your Ferry Adventure
Getting to the Terminal
Reaching the ferry terminal in Edmonds or Kingston is pretty straightforward, but knowing your options can make things a lot easier. Whether you're driving, taking public transport, or cycling, there are clear ways to get where you need to be, and that's good to know, right?
By Car
If you're coming from Seattle or places to the south, you'll want to drive north on Interstate 5. Take exit 177 for State Route (SR) 104. From there, continue west on SR 104 for about four miles. Just follow the signs, and they'll lead you straight to the Edmonds ferry terminal. It's actually quite well marked.
For those traveling from Everett, or points further north and east, the route is also quite simple. You'll likely use SR 104 as well, heading towards Edmonds. Vehicles need to enter the toll booths at SR 104 and Dayton Avenue, specifically from SR 104 northbound. It's important to remember not to try entering from Dayton Street, as that's not the correct way, you know, to avoid any confusion.
When heading to the Kingston ferry terminal from places like Port Angeles or other spots on the Olympic Peninsula, you'll take US 101. This road will lead you to State Route (SR) 104. You'll cross the Hood Canal floating bridge, which is a pretty neat experience in itself. After the bridge, keep going east on SR 104 for about eight more miles. You'll pass through Port Gamble, and then you'll see the signs for the Kingston ferry terminal, which is really helpful.
By Bus
While the provided text doesn't give specific bus route numbers, it does mention "transportation connections." This means that public bus services likely have stops near both the Edmonds and Kingston terminals. It's a good idea to check local transit websites for the most current bus schedules and routes that connect to the ferry docks, especially if you're not planning to drive, you know, to be prepared.
By Bike
Cycling to the ferry is a fantastic option, especially if you want to enjoy the fresh air and avoid vehicle lines. For bicyclists traveling from Kingston to Edmonds, there's no payment required for passengers or bikes, which is a nice perk. Bicyclists can actually bypass the main line of vehicle traffic and get directly into the ferry holding lane. This can save you a good bit of time, obviously.
If you're biking, it's a good idea to arrive about 20 minutes before the scheduled departure time. This allows you to be loaded at the beginning of the loading process, making for a smoother experience. It's a pretty efficient system, really, for cyclists.
Understanding the Edmonds Kingston Ferry Schedule
Knowing when the ferries run is key to planning your trip. The Washington State Ferries system has a pretty detailed schedule that changes with the seasons, so it's always smart to check the latest information. This is something you'll want to do, you know, before you head out.
Finding Current Times
The official Washington State Ferries website is a really good place to find timetables. You can access it remotely with an internet connection, which is super convenient. Just look for the Edmonds / Kingston route. The site provides departure and arrival times, and it even tells you the names of the boats that will be sailing, which is pretty cool.
For example, you can find sailing schedules for specific dates, like the summer 2025 sailing schedule for Tuesday, July 15, 2025, or Friday, July 11, 2025. This level of detail helps you plan your journey well in advance, which is helpful, particularly for busy travel days.
Alternatively, there are apps available that can help you with ferry schedules. These apps often allow you to subscribe to receive notifications for any service alerts. So, if there's a delay or a change, you'll get a heads-up right on your phone, which is very useful, you know, for staying informed.
Weekday and Weekend Sailings
The schedule often varies between weekdays and weekends. You'll see specific departure and arrival times listed for Mondays through Saturdays, excluding holidays, often marked as "FSSH" (Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays, and Holidays). Then there are also schedules for Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays only, sometimes marked as "FRISUN." There are even specific schedules for Fridays and Sundays only, which is something to pay attention to, you know, when you're looking at the times.
It's important to pay attention to these different designations when looking at the timetable. A trip on a Monday might have different times than a trip on a Saturday or a holiday. This is why checking the specific date you plan to travel is so important, to make sure you have the most accurate information, basically.
Key Schedule Notes
When you look at the schedules, you'll see notes like "Mondays through Saturdays except holidays FSSH" or "Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays only FRISUN." These abbreviations tell you which days a particular schedule applies to. Understanding these notes will help you pick the right sailing time for your trip, you know, to avoid any mix-ups.
The schedule also lists boat names. While this might not affect your travel time, it's kind of neat to know which vessel you'll be riding on. It adds a little something to the experience, doesn't it?
Fares and Tickets
Understanding the cost of your ferry trip is another important part of planning. Fares can vary based on whether you're a walk-on passenger, bringing a vehicle, or cycling, and also by the direction of travel. It's a bit like buying a movie ticket, you know, you need to know what you're paying for.
Passenger and Vehicle Costs
The Edmonds to Kingston ferry prices and fares are set by the state of Washington's Department of Transportation. These fares are in effect for specific periods, and they can change, so it's always good to check the current rates. For instance, the text mentions fare information for Friday, July 18, 2025, and Thursday, July 17, 2025, showing that costs are detailed for specific dates.
You can find detailed fare information for both Edmonds to Kingston and Kingston to Edmonds routes. The system also lets you display the round trip cost, which is pretty handy for budgeting. For example, the text notes that taking the ferry from Edmonds to Kingston starts from $6, which gives you a general idea of the base cost, you know, for a person.
Special Notes for Bicyclists
As mentioned before, there's a special rule for bicyclists: there is no payment for passengers or bicycles traveling from Kingston to Edmonds. This is a great benefit for those cycling from the peninsula side back to the mainland. It's a pretty good deal, actually.
How to Get Tickets
The primary way to get tickets is usually at the toll booths or ticket windows at the ferry terminals. The Washington State Ferries official website is the best source for current fare details. You can look up specific routes and dates to see the exact costs for your vehicle and passengers.
Additionally, services like Rome2rio are mentioned as a way to check timetables, prices, and even book your tickets. This can be a useful tool for planning your journey and seeing all your options in one place, which is really convenient, in a way.
Planning Your Trip
A little preparation can go a long way in making your ferry experience enjoyable and stress-free. It's not just about getting from one place to another; it's also about the journey itself, you know, making the most of it.
Tips for a Smooth Crossing
Arrive early, especially if you're driving or traveling during peak times like summer weekends or holidays. Vehicle lines can get long, and ferries operate on a first-come, first-served basis for vehicles. Having some extra time means you won't feel rushed, which is always good, obviously.
Check the schedule and any service alerts before you leave home. The official website or the ferry app can give you real-time updates on delays or cancellations. This can save you from unexpected waits, which is really helpful, particularly if you have appointments.
Have your payment ready. Knowing the fare beforehand and having your card or cash ready can speed up the process at the toll booth. It helps keep the line moving, you know, for everyone.
Enjoying the Views
The Edmonds Kingston ferry route is well-known for its beautiful scenery. Once you're on board, take some time to step out onto the deck. You'll get to enjoy the scenic views of Puget Sound, which can include glimpses of the Olympic Mountains to the west and the Cascade Mountains to the east on clear days. You might even spot some marine wildlife, like seals or porpoises, which is pretty cool, actually.
The journey itself is part of the experience. It's a chance to unwind, breathe in the fresh sea air, and just watch the world go by. It’s a very relaxing way to travel, in some respects.
Other Washington State Ferry Routes
While our focus here is the Edmonds Kingston ferry, it's just one part of the larger Washington State Ferries system. The system connects many communities across Puget Sound and the San Juan Islands. Knowing about these other routes can be useful for future travel plans, you know, if you're exploring more of the region.
Other routes include Anacortes / San Juan Islands, Fauntleroy / Southworth, Fauntleroy / Vashon, Mukilteo / Clinton, Port Townsend / Coupeville, Pt Defiance / Tahlequah, Seattle / Bainbridge Island, and Seattle / Bremerton. Each route offers its own unique connections and scenic beauty. It's a pretty extensive network, really.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the Edmonds to Kingston ferry ride?
The crossing time for the Edmonds to Kingston ferry is typically around 30 minutes. This doesn't include the time you might spend waiting to board, so remember to factor that in, you know, when planning your total travel time.
Can you buy Edmonds Kingston ferry tickets in advance?
Generally, for the Edmonds Kingston route, tickets are purchased at the terminal toll booths upon arrival. While some routes might offer reservations, this particular one usually operates on a first-come, first-served basis for vehicles. It's always best to check the official Washington State Ferries website for the most current ticketing policies, which is a good habit, basically.
What's the best time to take the Edmonds Kingston ferry to avoid lines?
To avoid the longest lines, it's usually best to travel during off-peak hours. This means avoiding early mornings and late afternoons on weekdays, which are popular commute times. Weekends, especially during summer, can also be very busy. Mid-day or late evening sailings often have shorter waits. Check the schedule and consider a slightly less popular time, you know, if you want to minimize your wait.
Start Your Ferry Adventure
The Edmonds Kingston ferry offers a convenient and pleasant way to travel across Puget Sound. With the right information, your trip can be a breeze. So, go ahead and plan your next journey, whether it's for work or just for fun. You can learn more about traveling around Puget Sound on our site, and if you're curious about other Washington State Ferries options, we have details there too. It's time to enjoy the water!
For official schedule and fare information, visit the Washington State Ferries website: Washington State Ferries Official Site
Edmonds-Kingston Ferry Schedule & Guide (2024) | FerryRiders.com
Edmonds-Kingston Ferry Schedule & Guide (2024) | FerryRiders.com
Edmonds–Kingston ferry - Wikiwand
